In 2026, Audi will join Formula 1 as a supplier of drive systems. Mattia Binotto, who led the German automaker’s project this fall, admits that Audi engines will be inferior in characteristics to power plants from other manufacturers when they debut.
Mattia Binotto: “I have been in Neuburg in recent days and weeks. The creation of the power plant is going according to plan: the engine is already being tested on stands and has already traveled a long distance.
But our learning process continues. We compete with competitors who have been building power plants for a long time, and in this business experience is very important.
I think Audi is doing a great job organizationally and we have great equipment and programs, but we still have a learning curve to go through. That’s why I expect us to play the role of the stragglers when we debut.
How big will our gap be? We don’t know this and won’t understand it until we’re on the track. But this moment is still over a year away.
An intensive bench development program is currently underway. We must ensure that we can deliver the project as successfully and quickly as possible. We aim to be as competitive as possible by early 2026.”
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
